Hearing Aid Compatibility

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) defines Hearing Aid Compatibility (HAC) for wireless devices in terms of two parameters; radio-frequency (RF) emissions and telecoil coupling. The product manual will specify ratings of "M" and/or "T." The highest ratings to date are 3 or 4, (e.g. "M4" or "M3/T3").

M-Ratings and Hearing Aid Immunity

"M" refers to the device's RF emissions level, and means the device is intended for use with hearing aids in microphone mode. The higher the "M" rating number on the device, the more likely you will be able to use the device with your hearing aid on the microphone setting.

Phones rated M3 or M4 meet FCC requirements and are less likely to generate interference to hearing devices than phones that are not labeled. M4 is the better/higher of the two ratings.

T-Ratings and Compatibility with Hearing Aids with Telecoils

A telecoil is a small device that is built into some hearing aids for use with the telephone as well as assistive listening devices. Not all hearing aids have telecoils.

"T" refers to the device's telecoil coupling ability, and means the device is intended for use with hearing aids in telecoil mode. The higher the "T" rating number on the device, the more likely you will be able to use the device with your hearing aid on the telecoil setting.

Phones rated T3 or T4 meet FCC requirements and are likely to be more usable with a hearing device’s telecoil ("T Switch" or "Telephone Switch") than unrated phones. T4 is the better/higher of the two ratings. Our current handset line-up includes the following:

Handset	HAC Rating: M	HAC Rating: T
UT Starcom 7026	M4	T4
Motorola VE240	M3	T3
Samsung SCH-r300	M4
UT Starcom 8935	M4
LG 300	M3	T3
Samsung SCH-r430 MyShot	M3
Motorola W385	M4	T4
Motorola W385 Cosmic Blue	M4	T4
Motorola W385 Plum	M4	T4
LG 260	M3	T3
LG 380	M3
Motorola MOTORAZR VE20	M4	T4
Samsung SCH-r500	M4
Motorola ROKR Z6m	M4
Motorola RAZR2 V9m	M4	T4
LG 830 SPYDER	M3
BlackBerry Pearl 8130	M3	T3
BlackBerry Pearl 8130	M3	T3
BlackBerry Curve 8330	M4	T4
Blackberry 8830	M4	T4
Motorola Q9c Black	M3
HTC 6800	M4	T4
HTC 6900 Touch	M4	T4
Palm Treo 755p	M3	T4

Try It Before You Buy It

Please be aware that there is no guarantee that a HAC rated phone will work with your hearing aid device.

Hearing loss and hearing aids are highly individualized, so customers who use hearing aids are encouraged to try hearing aid compatible phones at any nTelos Wireless stores to determine which phones will work best for them. At the store, you will be able to place a call to nTelos' customer CARE department to test the phone and determine if it works well with your hearing aid device.